ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Islamabad administration on Saturday began an anti-encroachment operation in Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU), which will continue for five days.

As per the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Islamabad Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat, teams are working in heavy rainfall over the weekend so minimum hindrance is made for the QAU students.

Anti encroachment operation in Quaid e Azam University begins. Teams are working in heavy rainfall over the weekend so minimum hindrance is made for students. Shahdara road and Kiani Road near University are choked. Sorry for inconvenience. Operation will continue for 5 days. pic.twitter.com/QLegQNlWwe

The operation is being conducted in the presence of DC Islamabad, Rangers and Police personnel.

Earlier last month, the DC Islamabad visited the Quaid-e-Azam University and held a meeting with the VC Dr Mohammad Ali Shah, at which they decided to take the decisive action against illegal encroachments in the University.

According to the QAU administration, an area of 1709 Acres, 4 kanals and 12 marlas, was acquired by Capital Development Authority (CDA) in 1967-72 for Quaid-e-Azam University, formerly known as University of Islamabad, but vacant possession and on-ground demarcation of the said land was not given to the university by CDA.

Hence the educational institution inherited a number of illegal occupants including nine villages spreading on about 298 acres of land inside the campus, along with illegal encroachment from outside.

It is pertinent to mention here that at present total shortfall in University land is 450 acres of which 298 acres of land in the custody of illegal occupants/encroachers.